copper leaching in solar thermal system [RE-wrenches]

[Tom Lane, Energy Conservation Services]

Matt
Dielectric unions will effect metal connections but not water quality, they
aren't the cause of green water.  Copper corrodes often turn green when
a) the ph is 6.5 or lower. ANSI/NSF standards require the water to be 6.5 or
higher to use copper.
b) there is too much dissolved oxygen or CO2 in the water with copper pipes

A city may meter sodium hydroxide into water at 5.1 ph to regulate the ph
over 7.5, but local wells will still be 5.1 and corrode copper pipe.  Hanna
Instruments at www.hannainst.com makes ph testers and CO2 and O2 testers fir
dissolved CO2 or O2.  Copper and Brass Development Ass. has excellent
information and technicians to assist with copper problems.  They have two
web sites - www.ccbda.org and www.copper.org.  You can send a water sample
for water quality.

Gaator Tom


----- Original Message -----
From: "matthew tritt" <solarone at charter.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2002 3:03 PM
Subject: Re: copper leaching in solar thermal system [RE-wrenches]


> Todd again,
>
> Di-electric incompatibility is what's happening. Electrolysis happens when
> dis-similar metals come in contact in or with a conductive media (hard
> water?) and one of them loses! But you probably know this. Have you water
> checked for high TDS. I bet that's the culprit
>
> Matt
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Todd Cory, Mt. Shasta Energy Services" <toddcory at finestplanet.com>
> To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
> Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 10:35 PM
> Subject: copper leaching in solar thermal system [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> > I have a personal concern about my home's solar thermal system. Ever
since
> I
> > put it in 5 years ago the hot water appears to be carrying large amounts
> of
> > copper as is evident by the shower walls and floor (and my wife's blond
> > hair) turning a light shade of green. I am totally baffled by why this
is
> > happening.
> >
> > The system is a simple 2 flat plate, 2 pump, glycol system, all copper
> with
> > SS flat plate heat exchanger. I maintain the water heater's anode and
just
> > replaced the old one with a new magnesium one... so what would be
causing
> > the copper to be leaching from the pipes into the hot water?
> >
> > I rarely do solar thermal systems for others, but when I do I want to
make
> > sure they are configured so they will last. I worry that copper leaching
> > will eventually leave the pipes thin and prone to leaking. Anyone have
> > experience with this situation or have a clue on what might be
happening?
> >
> > Todd
> >
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